Why I Haven't Been Able to See My Grandchildren!

I have had shingles. It is not something I would recommend.

Some things I have learned about shingles in the past two weeks:

• They are not exactly contagious - you can't give shingles to anyone else.
• They are kind of contagious - you can give chickenpox to someone who has not either had chickenpox or been vaccinated for chickenpox.
• You should not be around pregnant women when you have shingles.

Since most places I go include pregnant women and/or small children who have not yet been vaccinated for chickenpox, I have stayed home a lot the past two weeks. I guess that is just as well since recovery from shingles requires rest and relaxation. It has, however, caused me to miss out on a trip to NC and some babysitting for Alethia. Fortunately, Brianne was able to send me the pictures of Patrick Daniel to share with you.

Next week I will be spending time with both of my grandchildren. I can't wait!!!

Monday

Monday is the day I get to babysit Alethia. She is now at the stage where she is pulling herself up on things. She actually used her car seat to help her move across the floor. She would tilt it and swing it around again and again to get across the floor.

This past Monday was a beautiful day in Maryland. Byron was able to leave work early and came down to go for a walk with Alethia and me. I never cease to wonder at the beauty of God's creation.

A short walk from Dave and Danielle's home is the point where the Patuxent River enters the Chesapeake Bay. It was amazing to spend some time on this walk in the miracle of God's creation with another living, breathing miracle of His creation, our granddaughter.